Posted On: 16 February, 2026

The third day of the Rector Major’s visit to the INM Province was a profound celebration of missionary fervor and heartfelt hospitality. On Sunday, 15 February 2026, at 11:00 a.m., the Rector Major presided over the Holy Eucharist at Sacred Heart Church, Polur, a mission that stands as a vibrant testimony to a faith deeply rooted in local culture and sustained through dedicated education, pastoral care, and social outreach. Originally entrusted to the Salesians through the pioneering spirit of Most Rev. Mederlet, Fr. Natale Cignatta, Fr. Villanova, and Fr. Francis Schlooz, the Polur mission remains a cornerstone of the Salesian charism—actively forming the young, uplifting rural villages, and strengthening the regional Church.

Upon his arrival, the Rector Major was greeted with a traditional welcome that blended the rhythmic energy of local folk arts with the dignity of a formal guard of honour, reflecting the immense pride of the community in receiving the Successor of Don Bosco. The subsequent Eucharistic celebration served as a powerful moment of communion, drawing together parishioners from Sacred Heart Church along with representatives from St. Antony’s in Veeralur, Don Bosco SIHARAM in Tiruvannamalai, and the mission at Jawadhi Hills. The campus was alive with devotion as the Salesian Family gathered to listen to a homily that challenged the conventional view of Christian life. The Rector Major reminded the faithful that following Christ is not merely about the absence of evil, but about the active pursuit of good. Inspired by the legacy of the missionaries before them, he affirmed that every believer is called to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" through simple, consistent acts of goodness, urging everyone to live as "good Christians and honest citizens" for the sake of the next generation.

The day’s significance was further highlighted by moments of fraternal connection. Earlier that morning, during breakfast, the Rector Major was warmly greeted by Most Reverend Neethinathan D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Chengalpattu, who extended his best wishes for the apostolic visit. Following the Mass, the Rector Major shared lunch at the Convent with the FMA Sisters, a gesture that further fortified the bonds of communion within the Salesian Family. Ultimately, the day’s events transcended a mere solemn act of worship; they served as a renewed call to live the Gospel with simplicity, generosity, and an unwavering missionary commitment.